China Open—Beijing, China
Alcaraz Wins 200th Career Match in Beijing; Rune Reaches Tokyo Semifinals
Four-time Major winner Carlos Alcaraz poured in one of his most impressive performances of the year in Beijing, China on Sunday, defeating Tallon Griekspoor 6-1, 6-2.
Needing a mere 56 minutes to advance, Alcaraz won 100 percent of his first serve points (23/23) and broke his opponent on four occasions.
Adding 19 winners to his victory, Alcaraz also notched his 200th career singles win on Tour. The 21-year-old from Murcia, Spain will next face No. 7 seed Karen Khachanov. The powerful Russian overcame Francisco Cerundolo 7-6(4), 7-6(9).
Other winners on the day saw Yunchaokete Bu continue his fine form in China, dismissing No. 6 seed Lorenzo Musetti 6-2, 6-4.
Bu reached the semifinals in Hangzhou last week, losing to Zhizhen Zhang. He also defeated Khachanov en-route to the final four.
Still to come on Sunday, No. 4 seed Andrey Rublev will face Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
On the women’s side, No. 2 seed Jessica Pegula needed three sets to dismiss No. 32 seed Veronika Kudermetova 6-7(9), 6-1, 6-2. The American will next face Paula Badosa. The Spaniard took out Rebecca Sramkova 7-5, 7-5.
Other winners in the 1000 level event included Shuai Zhang, Yuliia Starodubtseva and Magdalena Frech.
*****
Former world No. 4 Holger Rune advanced to the semifinals of the Japan Open on Sunday, defeating crowd favourite Kei Nishikori 3-6, 6-2, 7-5.
In an entertaining baseline duel that lasted two hours and 16 minutes, Rune hit six aces, 39 winners and won 71 percent of his first serve points.
The 21-year-old will next face either defending champion Ben Shelton or Frenchman Arthur Fils in the final four.
Nishikori, who is still trying to return to the form that saw him hold a top 10 ranking, has only played 14 Tour level matches in 2024. The 34-year-old is currently ranked No. 153 in the world.
Other results on the day featured Ugo Humbert advancing over Jack Draper 7-5, 2-1 RET. and Tomas Machac defeating Alex Michelsen 7-6(2), 6-3.
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